Massachusetts’
Magazine Winter Beauty
Theresa Novicky
10 Gifts Under $30
Dating after 40
Balancing Love and Work 1
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U.S. $2.00 Volume 1, Number 11
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December
Volume 1, Number 11
inside
2009
Introducing Joanne Giannini
Events
08
Chocolate Workshops
Balancing Love and work
Bobby Carr Winter beauty
The second chance
Gifts that won’t break the bank 18 Classifieds
Behind the scenes with the cover beauty Cover: Theresa Novicky Make-up: Manda Carco, www.mandamonium.net Cover Photo: Mehdy Ogine-Noel, www.realtouchpg.com Location: Jillian's Boston 145 Ipswich Street Boston, MA 02215 www.jilliansboston.com 4
Send Letters to Editor to publisher@singlesmag.net Email info@singlesmag.net for other inquiries or visit MSM’s website 24/7 at www.singlesmag.net Phone: M-F 9pm-5pm (617) 418-1750
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Contributors
Janelle Powers, writer, Janelle.Powers@ singlesmag.net Janelle was born and raised right here in Boston. She attended Hofstra University in New York where she studied both journalism and theatre. She’s had several small acting roles in both film and television, as well as some roles on the stage. She is currently working as histology technician and lives in Brighton with her fiancé.
Siobhan Talia Piqué,
Bobby Carr, writer, bobby.Carr@singlesmag.net Bobby is always looking to utilize his creative attributes, which have led him in many different directions such as starring in the independent horror film Prichard and Silas and now following his true passion to be a writer. Bobby states “My only unfulfilled aspiration is finding true love, because I believe you are not truly happy unless you can share that happiness with someone else which is why I am ecstatic about writing for a singles magazine.”
Ken Joseney, Sport Nut Ken.Joseney@singlesmag.net Ken is a humble and generous “sports nut” out of the Norfolk county area. He currently works for a large data storage company as a technical writer. On his free time (which happens less than usual), he enjoys listening to music, reading, and most importantly spending time with loved ones. Because of its unpredictability, sports has always been something that Ken enjoys tremendously; it is now a privilege to share it with all the MSM readers.
Staff make up artist makeup@piquecompany.com
www.piquecompany.com With her 2 older sisters, Talia has always been into the latest fashion and has learned how to apply make-up correctly. Her passion for make-up began with doing her roommates’ make-up for dates and formals and applying make up for her fellow cheerleaders prior to games. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her two year old son, write poetry and volunteer as a member of the Human Rights Commission of Newton.
Joanne Giannini, writer, Joanne.Giannini@singlesmag.net Joanne is a fairly recent divorcee, having re-entered the dating world Mehdy Ogine-Noel, three years ago. Her new single photographer, life has been challenging to say the realtouch@ymail.com least, but never, ever boring! Mehdy earned his graphic de- When not writing for MSM, she sign degree from the Kather- leads a very active life. For the ine Gibbs school in 2003. He last few years she has worked as a owns RealtoucH, a photogra- personal trainer, having received certifications from phy company. Mehdy has the National Academy of Sports Medicine and SCW done photography for weddings, corporate events, and Fitness. She is also a certified Lifestyle Wellness websites. Visit him on www.realtouchpg.com Couch and Group Fitness Instructor for Group Strength and Pilates Matwork. For the 20+ years prior to this, she was responsible for marketing communications at a number of design firms throughout the Boston area.
Submit your articles, or story ideas to Publisher@singlesmag.net 5
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{Editor’s letter}
Dear readers, It’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed when MSM gets to celebrate its first Christmas. Our first Christmas would have not been possible had it not been for the faithful readers and supporters. We want to thank our sponsors and advertisers who continuously support the magazine. Also, we want to thank Jillian’s Boston and Lucky Strike for allowing us to shoot the December and January issues in their establishment. This month, we have a new writer and her name is Joanne Giannini. I am happy to have Joanne on board because she is bringing the prospective of a divorcee to her articles. Readers who are have been idled from dating will love Joanne’s articles because she explores new ways of dating and the new generation of daters. MSM wants to hear your voice and what you are interested in reading about. That way, MSM can bring on-board great writers who can write about your interests. Until next year, MSM wishes you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Sincerely,
Marie Stuart Noël Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 617-418-1750 Publisher@singlemag.net
Single? Showcase yourself in an upcoming issue of MSM Visit www.singlesmag.net for more information.
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A D V E R T I S E With MSM
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Sports nut Holiday List For most of us, this is the time of the year when everybody is making a list. This list is usually handed to a loved one, who will eventually buy, at least, one of these “gifts” for you. Most of the times, this “gift” is supposed to enable you to have something you did not have before. It is almost a similar process in sports, except the supply of what you need is limited, and the demand is extremely high. Right after losing Game 7 of the American League Championship Series in 2003, the Boston Red Sox flew some of its top executives to spend Thanksgiving with Curt Schilling, who eventually removed a trade clause on his contract to come and pitch in Boston. After finishing the 2006-2007 season with an embarrassing 24-58 record, the Boston Celtics traded for Ray Allen on Draft Day, and later on in the same summer, they shipped almost the whole team to get Kevin Garnett. Each respective team ended up winning the championship the following year. Both teams become more competitive than they were before. “With the fifth pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Phillip Joseph Kessel Jr” said Gary Bettman. P. Kessel was one the most talented
players in the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, and now he is coming to a team that has not won Stanley Cup since 1972. In 2007, P. Kessel was voted by Boston writers as the most dedicated player in the National Hockey League. P. Kessel helped the Bruins make it back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year, but he was plagued with a shoulder injury that needed surgery. They lost in the Semifinals. At the start of the year, the once most dedicated, and talented player for the Boston Bruins was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs (where he immediately signed a $27-million contract.) As fans, we will probably never know the real reason behind Phil Kessel’s trade. Could it be contract related? Could team owner, Jeremy Jacob, be trying to reclaim his title as one of the “Worst Owners in Sports”? We will leave everything else up for speculation, but one thing is clear: The Bruins need a consistent leader who will deliver night in and out to add to legacy that players such as Lionel Hitchman, Eddie Shore, and Terry O’Reilly have left. Until that happens, “attend a Boston Bruins victory parade in June” will remain as one of the hottest item in my list for the Holiday seasons to come. Until next time, have a Happy Holiday! The Sports Nut -Ken Joseney
MSM is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a 31-day giveaway. Visit www.singlesmag.net for info.
Dating after 40 By Joanne Giannini Back when I was in my twenties, life was pretty simple. I would go to a bar with my friends on a Friday night, get a good buzz going, and suddenly transform into a Madonna backup dancer. Eventually, some guy would come over and talk to me, usually about 15 minutes before the place closed. I would talk to him for those last 15 minutes and then give him my phone number. If there was no phone call by Thursday, I knew there wasn’t going to be one. Rejection, painful, final, and right in time to repeat the whole cycle again on the next Friday night. Yahoo! Somehow I managed to get and stayed married for 10 years, but alas it ended in divorce and I re-entered the dating world. And to my great surprise, it changed…ALOT! Forget the fact that I’m 43 now instead of 23 and the challenge that brings in and of itself, but what really changed is dating technology! First, there are the social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. I joined MySpace after being invited by one of my “real-life” friends. Next thing I knew, I was being bombarded by friend requests from guys I didn’t know who apparently wanted to know me. The idea of being hit on by random guys was strange enough, but it gets better. I was sitting in front of my computer on MySpace and one of my new “friends” sends me an instant message. I had no idea this feature even existed until that moment. Next thing I know, I’m having a webcam conversation with the guy. About 15 minutes into the conversation, he asks to see my boobs and sends me an uninvited picture of his penis. Total time from friend request approval to friend removal and blockage…30 minutes! You see, 20 years ago the guy actually had to pick you up, take you out, and THEN ask to see your boobs in person before you could write him off as a jerk! The other thing that changed was that guys rarely ever call on a phone anymore. Why bother when nowadays they can communicate using instant messages, emails, and my personal favorite, text messages. I especially love getting the standard “Good Morning Sexy” text message. You know the guy just typed it once and then sent it to a bunch of women all at the same time. All this new technology put an end to the standard one-week rejection cycle! Now there is a whole lot of what I like to call “dating limbo.” Before-no call by Thursday, dude is done, gone, next! Now-you meet a guy on Friday, he sends a “What’s up?” text on Monday, followed by a “Good Morning Sexy” text on Friday and Monday. This pattern continues on for weeks. The question is, is he really interested and just extremely busy or throwing you out a bone to hold you for “backup” in his stable of available women? I think a guy is gone for good and then boom, the “Good Morning Sexy” text arrives. With text message, they can just throw it out there and see what happens! What do you all think? Have advancements in technology made dating easier or harder? Go to www.singlesmag.net to vote in our online poll. 9
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“In the next five years, I hope to be doing more high fashion modeling and move to New York to pursue my modeling career” -Theresa
Cover: Theresa Novicky Make-up: Manda Carco, www.mandamonium.net Cover Photo: Mehdy Ogine-Noel, www.realtouchpg.com Location: Jillian's Boston 145 Ipswich Street Boston, MA 02215 www.jilliansboston.com 10
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Winter Beauty
Theresa Novicky
T
heresa Novicky, a runway model in the Boston area is MSM’s cover this month. Theresa has been building a name for herself in the Boston scene since 2007, one project at a time. She has participated in many fashion projects from Boston Fashion Week 2009 to working as a model for Diet.com in 2008. Theresa is not only a talented model but she has been working her way into the big screen as well: She has worked as an extra on Mall Cop and Bridewars. Most recently, Theresa took part in an American Express commercial. Though Theresa takes advantages all the industry has to offer, her true inspiration is to be a high fashion model walking the runways of New York Fashion Week. She confesses “In the next five years, I hope to be doing more high fashion modeling and move to New York to pursue my modeling career.” And I don’t doubt her because she does have a long, impressive fashion portfolio. When asked who she considered her role model, Theresa gushed “Super model Miranda Kerr,” Miranda is presently one of the top super models on the fashion scene and if Theresa follows in her footsteps, we’ll be seeing more of her. 11
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Out on the town with MSM
On November 11, 2009, MSM hosted a small event for the November cover Hannah & The Bloodlines at The Midway Cafe on 3496 Washington St in Jamaica Plain. David Balerna, owner of Midway Cafe provided guests with pizza. The band performed and gave away Cds, a gift certificate, movie tickets and much more.
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Balancing Love and Work Written by a woman, for women By Janelle Powers In this modern day and age it can be almost impos-
Some solutions can be quite easy. If you’re spending too
sible to balance love and a successful career. Some people
much time in the office then it may be a good idea to cut
mostly woman, believe that you can have it all love, career
down on your work load. Whether it’s cutting down on your
and a family but I have found that in most cases this not
overtime or telling your boss that you’re working to your
true. In fact when woman hold themselves to this impossible
full capacity: it’s important to make sure that you’re spend-
ideal they tend to self destruct. So for now were going to
ing enough time with your loved one. On the flip side if
take having a family out of the equation and just discuss bal-
your spending a little too much time ditching work or doing
ancing love and work.
nothing but spending all your free time with your lover
Being in love and having a successful career are much the
maybe you should give yourself some space. It’s always
same thing. Both take up almost all of your time, dedication,
good to have a little free time to yourself to relax and un-
and focus. You need to be brilliant in both facets and still
wind and just be yourself. No matter how much you love
maintain a sense of self which of course can be quite tricky.
someone you will always need some time just to yourself.
In the end for most people one area inevitably suffers so
Other problems can be much more difficult. If you feel that
much that it all goes to hell, but there are some ways to
you can’t spend any less time at work and it actually keeps
avoid this disaster. The very first thing you have to do is
you up at night thinking about how much more you could be
evaluate yourself. Be honest and think back on your past.
doing or you’re going for a goal that you have always want-
Are you a workaholic or are you obsessed with your rela-
ed, then maybe you need to reevaluate your life. It’s ok to
tionships? If you are truly honest with yourself you will see
realize that perhaps you’re not ready for a real relationship
a discrepancy in one of these areas, and if you’re not sure
and just want to focus on your career, as long as you’re hon-
ask a very close friend.
est with yourself. Now what if you’re in love? What if you
The next step to take, now that you have identified your
want to be with this person for the rest of your life, maybe
problem area is to make a list of all your past mistakes. Do
start a family? If that is how you feel that’s ok too. As long
you stay late at the office almost every night, do you take on
as your sure that is what you want and you have talked to
extra projects that leave you so little time that is hard to find
your partner, then it’s ok to take some time off work. Plan
time to work, sleep and eat, never mind leaving time for a
your future with this person and then when you’re ready
lover? Do you ditch work more than twice a week so you
look at your situation again and then make a new decision.
can spend time with a lover even though you’re on a dead-
What most people are looking for is a happy and fulfilling
line? Do you goof off at work wasting time day dreaming
life. For most of us that means trying to juggle having a life
about your lover? All these actions can be destructive and
and having a career. It’s not an easy task one that most peo-
unproductive. The important thing to remember is that life is
ple at first fail miserably at. That’s why it’s important to
all about balance and these two areas of your life are no dif-
keep at it and to learn from past mistakes. If you can take all
ferent. Both need to be evaluated and decisions regarding
of your experience and really make an effort to keep things
both areas need to be made.
balanced, then eventually things will just fall into place.
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Bobby Carr talks sex, dating and relationships The Second Chance
with another woman in the background. When she finally got up the nerve to tell her prince how she felt, he refused
After writing the final chapter to an existing relationship
to listen. Buddy, who was attending the University of Cali-
we tend to cut all ties and go our separate ways. As time
fornia, was neglecting to return Myra’s many calls. She
heals we move on and slight regret turns to complete for-
accepted her tragedy and moved on. Then many years later,
get. Then every often an unexpected encounter leaves us
while Myra leaned over the bar to order a Budlite, Buddy
reconnected with our past, and our finished story begins to
lightly pressed down on her shoulders to intercept and buy
take on an alternate ending. With this thought in mind, I
her a beer. He had returned from CA, not on a white horse,
began to question the “second chance”. When it comes to
but in a blue Bronco with a relationship that was in sham-
closed relationships that have been reopened, do results
bles. His flirty antics of hand fed cherries and numerous
lean more towards a happy ending or a tragic reminder of
comments of disappointment that they never got together,
why the relationship ended in the first place?
suggested Myra’s fantasies were about to come true. Buddy’s talk of soul mates and his current failed relation-
It had been six years since our initial introduction to one another and my relationship with the successful banker from Boston had gone from acquaintance, to seducer, to just friends. Introduced through a good friend, our story began with excitingly scandalous dramatics and ended with an unwillingness to change in our previously set stances. Our incompatibility when it came to certain positions, politically and otherwise, had the production of our passion-
ship had Myra kissing him good night and then good morning. Unfortunately, two nights later at the same bar, Myra witnessed Buddy feeding the same moves (a cherry and a mention of soul mates) to a busty blonde. Coming to the realization that her prince charming was actually prince cheating in his rocky relationship, she walked over and behind, slightly pushed down on his shoulders and ordered him a redheaded slut.
ate novel come to an immediate close. Debating whether I should taken one for the team and compromise by not, I
So later that night, in a fading crowd at a fabulous bar, I
stuck to my decision to move on and settle for a friendship.
found myself once again engaged in flirtatious conversa-
Then six years later, standing in front of me at the ATM in
tion with a person that had already romantically faded out
one of my favorite Boston bars, was the banker from Bos-
of my life. Still somewhat apprehensive I began to ask my-
ton. We had both ventured to the same place to meet up
self; if we were not compatible before, why would we be
with the same people and before I knew it mixed drinks
now? Shoving preconceived notions aside I decided to give
and loud music had us reminiscing and second guessing
into temptation and give it a second chance. I figured,
our prior unwillingness to alter who we were to get some-
when it came to relationships there would always be times
thing we both wanted.
in which we felt something may not work out even if we already tried it once before. With that said, when it comes
Cities and towns away, my friend Myra was creating a second chance story of her own. Her first major crush, Buddy Stevens, was a handsome redhead who had always been
to writing the plot to our own personal story, it is extremely important to take chances, otherwise we end up with a very boring “what if” ending.
there for her. Unfortunately, his rescue usually occurred 14
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10
Gifts that won’t break the bank
World's Smallest Camcorder with 4GB Built-in Memory $29.01. www.Amazon.com
Buckyballs Magnetic Bucky Balls, $27 www.Digitalofotoclub.com
BBQ Sword, $24 www.Homewetbar.com
Pig E Bank Electronic Piggy Bank, $23.95 www.vat19.com
Panasonic Pivoting Head Facial Groomer, $19.99 www.Target.com
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Putter cup, $28.00 www.Discountgolfworld.com
Handbag Purse Hanger Includes mirror/pillbox, $19.95 Firefly Jewelry & Gifts 270 Newbury St Boston, Massachusetts 02116 www.fireflyboston.com
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Remote Control Holder, $10 www.Target.com
Boston Welcome Gift, $22.95 www.Myfavoritecity.com
The Beer Book, $12.57 www.Barnes&Noble.com
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS IN MSM Club events Anniversaries Concerts Speed dating events Networking groups Fundraisers Charity events Fashion shows Wine/Food tasting Rallies
See your pictures in the “On the town with MSM” or your event in MSM’s calendar. Send your pictures to publisher@singlesmag.net
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Calendar of events December 5 Chocolate Workshops
Saturday, Dec 5 1:00pm at Elephant & Castle Restaurant, Boston, MA Taste of Chocolate brings Chocolate Workshops to Boston participants will learn the art of truffle making and leave with Dozens of truffles to enjoy or share. Price: $88 December 11 Fri., Dec. 11 8:00pm 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party Boston Market Restaurant 21 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02109 www.mktboston.com Bring your brave fashion soul to the 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party A b Positive Project to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Help send 25 seriously ill children to a Boston Bruins Game. Prizes awarded for the ugliest sweater & the most creative sweater! RSVP at www.bpositiveproject.c om and automatically be entered to win burgers, shakes and fries for a month! Also, visit a b.good restaurant wearing your Ugly Sweater to 17
make a $1.00 donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation and b.good will reward you with a voucher for complimentary fries. December 18 Hannah & the Bloodlines Perfect Wife Tavern Manchester, VT MSM’s November cover, Hannah & The Bloodlines will be at the Perfect Wife Tavern, go check them out. December 31 Thur., Dec. 31 8:30 pm Boston's Resolution Ball Top of the Hub Skywalk Level Half off the best New Year’s Eve event in Boston Join Boston Event Guide Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Top of The Hub Skywalk from 8pm to 1am. Ring in the New Year with 360 degree views of Boston and beyond. The Love Dogs, and a DJ help you dance the night away with swing, Motown, Soul, R & B, 70s, 80s, 90s and current top-40 dance hits. As the clock strikes midnight, ring in 2010 with tons of party favors and a countdown celebration on huge video displays! VIP goody bag is filled with items from our sponsors. Black-Tie Optional http://www.bostoneventg uide.com.
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Classifieds
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Horoscopes
GEMINI May 21-June 21 Networking's favored now, and with your ability to multiSAGITTARIUS task, it can have all sorts of positive effects -- for work, for November 22-December 21 Your momentum is positively progressive today. You friendship, for romance. Let the meeting and greeting besee beauty everywhere and it shows -- your aura is gin! brighter than ever. So put one foot in front of the other and move forward. This rare energy comes without consequences. CANCER June 22-July 22 CAPRICORN Caution: The words that spill out of your mouth could December 22-January 19 have unintended effects at the moment. Resist sharing Stability is important now, and that might preclude your first reaction with anyone and everyone; it's valid, but going out on any kind of romantic limb for the time it's also liable to change quickly. being. Try some activities that help you feel grounded -- exercise or meditation, maybe. LEO July 23-August 22 An interaction can be a real learning experience now -AQUARIUS about them and about yourself. Stretch your mind and enJanuary 20-February 18 tertain the wildest ideas. Given enough leeway, this could Take the casual approach -- there's no need to make a get very interesting. big, awkward production about meeting someone new or asking someone out. Thinking of this person as a friend will put you on the right track. VIRGO August 23-September 22 Your romantic ideals may be in need of a little adjustment. PISCES If you think you have a type, perhaps you're being overly February 19-March 20 specific. Someone really different could sweep you off Is this person just a friend? What's the nature of your your feet, given the chance. relationship? Are they trying to imply something? Are you? Goodness, things can be ambiguous when ro- LIBRA September 23-October 22 mance may (or may not!) be involved -- like now. Even if you're not in a relationship, the ties that bind are incredibly important. Look closely at your connections now, and examine the unions around you. What do you see that you love?
ARIES March 21-April 19 If you've been watching and waiting to see what hapSCORPIO pens regarding a certain romantic situation, well, look out! It's go time, with all sorts of possibilities on October 23 - November 21 You're a fighter more than a lover at the moment, and the horizon. What -- or who -- will you choose? while a little conflict can be hot, a little more can leave 'em cold. Treat potentially romantic situations and people with kid gloves while you're in this mood. TAURUS April 20-May 20 You wouldn't fall for a new car or computer without *horoscopes.astrology.com doing background research to make sure it suited your needs -- take the same approach with potential partners. Friends first while you evaluate!